East Tennessee researchers identified a nationwide ‘suicide belt’ of 12 states, including Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — An East Tennessee State University study looked into suicide rates from 2018 to 2021 across the country. That research identified a 12-state suicide belt where suicide rates were found to be higher.

The study found rates were higher in rural communities. It also identified some common trends, such as a lack of access to mental health resources and a stigma related to treatment.

Candace Banister lost her son to suicide over eight years ago. He was a sophomore at Farragut High School.

“He had bright red hair,” she said. “You could see him across the room or down the street. He enjoyed friends more than anything. He enjoyed going to movies with his brother and playing video games. He was an honor student.”

Banister said the community grieved not only the loss of her son, but also of five other teenagers who committed suicide within two years.

“There are a lot more pressures on our youth now than there used to be, and I don’t see that we are equalizing that with any support,” Banister said.

She said that support is needed now more than ever. Banister said it’s difficult knowing that the numbers have only increased over the years.

Sharon “Lizzie” Bowland, a mental health practitioner and associate professor at the University of Tennessee, said part of the reason is a lack of access.

“Tennessee has a lot of rural areas,” Bowland said. “We know that there’s a correlation or a relationship between the number of mental health providers that there are in an area and the rates of suicide. They’re much higher in places where there are no services and where there are no mental health care providers.”

Bowland said that while nothing can compare to in-person care, virtual telehealth meetings are an option for people who can’t get to a provider in person. She said other possible solutions could be more community support groups, stricter gun laws and satellite hospitals.

Banister agreed with changing gun laws, but she also said schools need to do more to reduce pressure on students and provide more support. She said having to attend a teenager’s funeral isn’t just traumatic for the family and friends but the whole community.

“The first time it happens, you think, oh, okay. The second time it happens. But the sixth time it happens, you’re looking around thinking, ‘How do we keep this from happening anymore? How do we stop this,” she asked.

Bowland said it’ll be more difficult to reduce the trend as the Trump administration has made cuts to Medicaid. She said that means providers will have to get more creative with their care.